Frequently Asked Questions About Ptosis

• Post-operative bruising and swelling always occurs after eyelid surgery and may last many weeks. Bruising usually resolves in 2-3 weeks, but swelling can take a little longer. The final result is not seen for at least 3-4 months.
• Mild blurring of vision often occurs for a few weeks afterwards. It is usually helped by blinking.
• Some tearing and mucous discharge is to be expected for a few weeks after surgery.
• The skin wound may start to itch after a few days – this is a sign that the wound is healing.
• Numbness may occur around the area of the operation. This improves with time.
• Temporary dryness of the eyes may occur after surgery. Blink frequently in order to clear the tear film and keep the eye moist. A short course of lubricating eye drops or gel will be prescribed if necessary.
• The wound is likely to feel uncomfortable for a couple of days. You may take simple analgesia such as paracetamol (aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs should, ideally, be avoided).

• You can read, watch television and go outside (wearing sunglasses if more comfortable) immediately after surgery
• You should resume all medications on the day of surgery, except medicines which may increase the risk of post-operative bleeding. I will discuss this on the day of surgery.
• Drive when you feel safe and able to see properly.
• Avoid getting water directly into the wounds when showering or bathing to reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not rub your eye
• Avoid bending for 1 week
• Avoid heavy lifting for 2 weeks
• Avoid eye make-up for 3 weeks
• Avoid dusty environments for 1 week
• Avoid all strenuous activity for 3 weeks
• Avoid swimming for 4 weeks.

Complications in the hands of a trained and experienced oculoplastic surgeon are very rare. However, risks include:

• Infection. This may be heralded by swelling and redness around the skin wound. Should this happen, you must contact me.
• Under-correction or over-correction of eyelid height. It is possible in the vast majority of cases to achieve symmetry of lid height to within 1mm compared with the other side. If the lid is significantly too high or low, the operation may need to be repeated. This is necessary in less than 5% of cases.
• Asymmetry of lid contour and shape. It is possible that there will be a slight difference in shape and contour of the lid compared with the other side. However, the vast majority of patients are very pleased with the outcome. It is very rare for significant ‘peaking’ of the lid to occur, requiring repeat surgery.
• Scarring. Most eyelid wounds heal with scars that are almost invisible, although it can take several months for the wound to mature. Poor scarring can follow infection or wound disruption but this is very rare.